Knile Davis points to Steelers’ success as reason to sign
By Matt Conner
Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis pointed to head coach Mike Tomlin and the organization’s ongoing success as reasons he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Knile Davis has found a new home, at least for one year, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he seems happy with the choice.
“I think it’s a good place for me,” he told reporters after signing his one-year contract.
The veteran running back entered the league out of the University of Arkansas as the Kansas City Chiefs third round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft. Davis made an immediate impact on special teams as an electric returner who has the ability to take it from one end zone to the other. One even came against the Steelers, and Davis acknowledged that the Steelers brought up his 108-yard kick return for a touchdown from the 2013 preseason.
“I’ve done well in the past with kickoff returns, and I’m here to help the Steelers out,” he said. “That’s going to be a big role for me.”
Davis said he’s expecting to come in and complement starting running back Le’Veon Bell along with helping out on special teams as the Steelers’ kick returner.
“I’ve seen them on film. I kinda have a good feel for their offense. I just feel like with Mike [Tomlin] and what he’s doing around here and the success that they’ve had, they’re looking good and I think I can help out.”
For now it seems unlikely Pittsburgh will bring back veteran back DeAngelo Williams. It’s the sort of turnover that Davis was a victim of in Kansas City. Despite being the odd man out, Davis was always a consummate team player and professional about his playing time (or lack of it) with the Chiefs.
“Tyreek Hill came and did a good job and took some of my returns away,” he admits, “as well as De’Anthony Thomas. We were a great core. A great group. I think we did well, but my time there has expired.”
Davis has 250 carries for 805 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in his four year NFL career. He’s also caught 34 passes for 271 receiving yards and 1 additional touchdown. On special teams, Davis has returned 73 kicks for 1,960 yards and 2 touchdowns, good for a career average of 26.8 yards/return.